Queen urges tolerance in resolving Treaty claims

The Queen today appealed for more work and partnership in efforts to resolve outstanding Treaty of Waitangi claims.

She was speaking on Christchurch's Rehua Marae -- the first marae visit on her five-day New Zealand tour.

The Queen said she was encouraged by New Zealand's commitment to build a partnership to enhance the lives of all New Zealand families and communities.

"This (resolving treaty issues) has not been an easy path for anyone and there still remains some way to go.

"But I would like to express my respect for the courage of all those parties who have been working in good faith towards a resolution.

"I am sure that a stronger nation will emerge from your efforts to address the past and move forward toward a shared future. A nation in which all the people of these islands can participate fully."

The Queen said she saw New Zealand working to improve and strengthen all the various relationships between Maori and the Crown.

There was an important focus on reducing the disparities between communities.

"There are no simple solutions, as we all recognise," she said on the meeting house mahau (porch).

Several hundred people were waiting to see the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh when they arrived at the city marae from Christchurch airport just after 11am.

About 600 specially invited guests had been waiting on the marae in perfect weather for about 90 minutes.

The Queen received a big cheer from the gathering when she opened and closed her short speech by speaking in stilted Maori.

The Queen was due to visit Burnham military camp this afternoon before returning to Wellington for a state dinner at Parliament.

Tomorrow the couple flies to Auckland to visit Team New Zealand at their America's Cup base.

The couple will leave on Wednesday morning for Adelaide.

- NZPA